What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
divinization
Example
The ancient Greeks believed in the divinization of their heroes, such as Heracles and Achilles. [divinization: noun]
Example
Through meditation and spiritual practices, some Eastern religions seek divinization as a means of achieving enlightenment. [divinization: noun]
deification
Example
In ancient Egypt, pharaohs were often deified after their death and worshipped as gods. [deification: noun]
Example
Some cultures practice ancestor worship, which involves the deification of deceased family members. [deification: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deification is more commonly used than divinization in everyday language, especially in Western cultures. Deification is also more versatile and can be used in various contexts, including mythology, religion, and popular culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between divinization and deification?
Both divinization and deification are formal terms used primarily in academic or religious contexts. However, divinization is a more technical term and may be less familiar to non-experts.